Immortalise Jimi Solanke, ANA Urges Ogun Govt

The Association of Nigerian Authors (AN, Ogun State chapter, has called on the Ogun State government to take over Jimi Solanke’s ‘Ibudo Asa’ located in Ipara-Remo and classify it as one of the state’s cultural heritage sites.

The Public Relations Officer of the association, Pastor Dare Folarin, said in a statement on Sunday that ANA reached the resolution at its monthly meeting held on Saturday

Folarin said: “At the monthly meeting of the Association held at the Simeon Adebo Library, Abeokuta on Saturday, members noted that Ogun State is blessed with culture icons like (the late) Chief Jimi Solanke, whose works, songs and paintings would add value to cultural treasure troves and tourism potential of Ogun State.

“ANA Ogun members noted that the rank of the creatives moulding the minds of young ones was being depleted by death and that deliberate steps should be taken in packaging books and music for young folks for their moral edification and upbringing.”

The statement quoted the Chairman of ANA, Ogun State chapter, Dr. Chris Omotosho, as commiserating with the state government and citizens, the Solanke family and the literary world on the demise of the icon, whom he said would be sorely missed.

The legendary folklorist, born July 4, 1942, died last week Monday at the age of 81.

He was said to have died while being rushed from his country home at Ipara-Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan when he passed on.

Solanke was said to have been in and out of hospital from December until he died last Monday.